Why Worry?
Worry, is like sitting in a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.
Worry is the advance interest you pay on troubles that seldom or never come.
Worry is a fast getaway on a wooden horse. It is like being on a run-away treadmill.
Nine times out of ten, worrying about something does more damage to the one who worries than the thing he or she is worrying about.
Modern medical research has proved that worry breaks down resistance to disease. But, more than that, it harms the nervous system, particularly that of the digestive organs and of the heart. Concern is needed to keep us on track with our responsibilities, but worry, like stress, is a killer.
An examination of 500 patients in a British clinic showed that more than one-third of their visual problems were caused by emotional tension. And a survey of 5000 university students showed that worriers get the lowest grades.
The word “worry” comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning to strangle or to choke. While we need to be attentive to life’s concerns, worrying about them “chokes” the joy out of life. Worrying is like driving a car with one foot on the accelerator and the other foot on the brake.
One antidote for worry is trust and trust is a choice. When things aren’t going well and you are prone to worry, keep praying until the storm passes, “Dear God, I choose to trust you in this situation no matter how I feel.” In time your feelings will catch up with your choice and the worry gives way to calm.
Meaningful worship, supportive relationships, sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, physical exercise, proper diet, deep breathing relaxation exercises and sufficient rest all help – PLUS learning to pray about the causes of your worry and not just the symptoms is a major key in learning to win over worry.
All the water in the world, however hard it tried, could never, never sink a ship, unless it got inside.
All the hardships of this world, might wear you pretty thin, but they won’t hurt you, one least bit, unless you let them in.